I once came off at half-time in a match for Gillingham, and my manager, Keith Peacock, turned to me and said: “Your shorts are clean? It’s a wintry muddy day, and your shorts are clean?” At 40 years old, James Milner left the field on Saturday as Brighton’s dirtiest player in their 2-0 victory over Brentford, and that image says everything about the attitude that has earned him the most appearances in the Premier League, with 654.
It is no coincidence that Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hürzeler, who was under pressure having secured only one win this year before Saturday, turned to Milner during his time of need. I have been in football for 43 years, and I can’t think of anyone who combines consistent quality and longevity like Milner.
The 40-year-old’s game isn’t unique. He has never been the quickest, strongest or most the technical but he keeps things simple and is brilliantly effective at it. Every part of his game has the nuance of being the best at the basics and having a strong foundation, which is the base for his consistency. Milner’s passes are always secure, his positioning is astute, and he uses his 5ft 9in frame well to knock opponents off the ball and win tackles.
Milner’s game isn’t unique but he is brilliantly effective at what he does
IAN TUTTLE/SHUTTERSTOCK EDITORIAL
Is there a player who has played in more positions than Milner? I remember watching him at right back when England played Ecuador in 2014. Jefferson Montero gave him a tough time, and I thought he might have ended Milner’s career as a full back, but he only became more reliable at the position as the years went on. It is difficult enough to maintain a high level in football, but to do so while playing across multiple positions makes Milner unique.
Many may not remember when Milner was a more attacking player. I watched him score two as a left winger for Aston Villa as they beat Gillingham in the FA Cup in 2009. He was the difference in that game, but what stood out to me was that he had no issue giving his all against a League Two side. A lot of players wouldn’t have the appetite to perform like that in a match with lesser opposition, but Milner’s team-oriented mindset is what makes him a manager’s dream.
A coach who certainly knows the value Milner adds is Jürgen Klopp, with whom Milner won every trophy available, apart from the Europa League, after a free transfer from Manchester City. There are countless stories of Milner setting the standard for young players at Liverpool and holding players accountable for poor performances or being late to training, knowing what it takes to win the league from his time at City. This is someone who learnt Spanish to communicate better with his foreign team-mates; that sort of leadership and maturity is invaluable, and you could argue Milner is one of the best free transfers in the Premier League era.
Milner celebrates with team-mates at the Gtech Community Stadium where Brighton’s victory will have got the fans off his head coach’s back, for now at least
PETER TARRY/PA WIRE
There aren’t many players who have performed well in every shirt they put on throughout their career, but Milner is one of them. I doubt that there is a single set of fans that has a bad word to say about him, as he has always given 100 per cent. That also makes him admirable for former footballers, and I feel like I’m representing all ex-professionals in saying Milner thoroughly deserved to break Gareth Barry’s record, of 653, in what has been a wonderful career.